4 Ways to protect your kids from ‘deepfake’ tech

The rise of artificial intelligence is already changing how we work and use our free time. Clever people have found all sorts of uses for the technology. However, AI has also proven to be a dangerous tool when it falls into the wrong hands.

That is especially true when it comes to deepfakes.

According to Stanford University, deepfake technology involves the creation of “hyper-realistic digital media, including video, image, and audio content.” Using AI, images of the faces and bodies of real people can be digitally captured and manipulated. They are then inserted into new still images or videos that appear genuine but are fake.

Hollywood studios have used the technology to “cut and paste” actors into scenes that they never filmed, and even to insert long-deceased actors into contemporary films. As AI technology has improved, costs have dropped dramatically, making tools that were once exclusively used by special effects technicians available to the general public on laptops and cellphones.

Criminals have taken notice. The rise of deepfakes has made phishing scams and identity theft even more effective. Child abusers are also exploiting the technology in order to create lewd and pornographic imagery and videos.

Parents and those responsible for caring for and protecting children must be especially aware of the threat and take appropriate measures.

Here are four ways you can protect kids from deepfake technology:

1. Use care when you share

In our social media-driven culture, many parents innocently share photos and videos of their kids at sporting or social events. What they don’t realize is that child abusers often “troll” social media and the internet, searching for images that they can alter with the aid of deepfake technology to produce lewd and pornographic content.

Be wise when sharing images and videos of your kids. Realize that even if your social media settings are restrictive, once you share an image with someone, you no longer control who ultimately can access it.

2. Talk to your kids

Have open, healthy discussions with your kids about deepfake technology and online sharing. Honestly communicate your concerns for their safety and discuss why we need to be thoughtful when sharing images and videos of ourselves, unsafe content, or personal information.

It can feel awkward to talk about these matters, especially when the topic of explicit images comes up. The Internet Watch Foundation’s “Think before you share” campaign is a valuable resource that can aid and facilitate this discussion.

3. Report what you see

The best way to protect kids is to stay vigilant.

If you encounter or become aware of deepfake images of children, youth, or anyone who appears to be a minor—or if you suspect that a child is being sexually exploited—don’t hesitate. File a report immediately with Report.CyberTip.org, or call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5673.

Reports will be reviewed and routed to the appropriate law enforcement agency. You do not need to share your name or contact information to file a report.

4. Take it down

Discovering that your child has become a victim of deepfakes can be devastating for you and your kids. But there is hope. Make sure that you and your children are familiar with Take It Down, a valuable resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, used by many online sites to remove explicit images from the internet.

Also, don’t hesitate to seek spiritual and mental health assistance. Remember that you and your kids are not alone!

For more information about protecting your children, visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s Department for the Protection of the Faithful.